What does gratitude mean?
Gratitude is the feeling and expression of thankfulness for a kindness, benefit, gift, or act of help. It is both an emotion and a social practice, appearing in formal expressions such as letters, speeches, toasts, and public acknowledgements, as well as in ordinary conversations. The word often carries a positive and morally approving connotation: gratitude suggests not merely recognizing that one has received something valuable, but also recognizing the generosity behind it. In British and American English, it is widely understood and commonly used, although more conversational alternatives such as “thankfulness” and “appreciation” may be preferred in some situations. Gratitude is a useful word because it gives a name to a social virtue that encourages generosity, humility, and connection between people. Its long history also reflects the importance of thankfulness in many human cultures.
nounThe feeling of being grateful for something, especially a kindness, benefit, or help received. It can also refer to an expression of thanks or appreciation.
- The feeling of thankfulness or appreciation for a kindness, benefit, or help received.
- The act or expression of acknowledging someone’s generosity, assistance, or goodwill.
"She expressed her gratitude to the volunteers whose tireless care had sustained the community."
"His gratitude for the opportunity was evident in his warm and thoughtful words."
"The scholarship was created out of gratitude for the teachers who had encouraged her."
Rare in modern English; gratitude is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The volunteers received the community's gratitudes for their dedication."
Latin gratus meant “pleasing” as well as “thankful,” so gratitude literally began with the idea of finding something agreeable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gratitude come from?
Gratitude entered English in the early 16th century, borrowing the Latin noun gratitudo, formed from gratus, meaning “pleasing,” “agreeable,” or “grateful.” The English word developed from this Latin root to refer to thankfulness and appreciation. Related English forms include grateful, gratuitous, gratuity, and gratis, all reflecting the same Latin source.
How gratitude is actually used
Gratitude is formal, earnest, and commonly used in speeches, letters, acknowledgements, and expressions of personal appreciation. In everyday conversation, “thankfulness” or “being thankful” may sound more direct, while “gratitude” can emphasize a deeper sense of appreciation or indebtedness.